Method and system for repositioning a service location

ABSTRACT

A network computer service can receive a service request associated with a first service location. Additionally, the network computer service can detect a user action to associate the service request with a second service location. In some examples, the user input can be detected on a user device. In other examples, the second service location can be different from the first service location. Moreover, the network computer service can determine the second service location satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion for permitting change of the first service location to the second service location. In response to determining the second service location satisfies the predetermined permissibility criterion, the network computer service can transmit an instruction to cause a device to associate the service request with the second service location in place of the first service location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/671,062 filed Aug. 7, 2017, which claims benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/446,292 filed Jan. 13, 2017, theaforementioned priority applications being hereby incorporated byreference in their respective entireties.

BACKGROUND

A network system can receive, from user devices, service requests forone or more network services. The service request can include datarelated to a service location (e.g., a service initialization location)that the service provider is to travel to, to provide the requestedservice. The network system can provide to the service provider routinginformation to the location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network computer system in communicationwith requester device(s) and provider device(s);

FIG. 2A illustrates an example map user interface (UI) that can displaya service provider being routed from a current location of the serviceprovider to an original service location of a service request;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example map UI that can display the change in theservice location of the service request from an original servicelocation to an alternative service location;

FIG. 2C illustrates an example map UI that can display an updated routeof the service provider if the alternative service location isauthorized by the network computer system;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example location selector of the network computersystem;

FIG. 4A illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on detecting a user input toassociate the service request with the alternative service location.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on alternative servicelocations identified by a network computer system;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on sensor data and thedetection of an event;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for determining whether thealternative service location satisfies a predetermined permissibilitycriterion;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for transmitting a notificationthat includes an option to associate a service request with analternative service location;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method for selecting a nearest point ofinterest from a motionless service provider; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a computer system upon which aspects described hereinmay be implemented.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical elements. The figures are not necessarilyto scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearlyillustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examplesand/or implementations consistent with the description. However, thedescription is not limited to the examples and/or implementationsprovided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples provide for a network computer system to implement an on-demandservice in which a service requester (e.g., a rider) or service provider(e.g., a driver) is permitted to change a service location (e.g., aservice initialization location such as an initial pickup location) of aservice request to an alternative location, if the alternative locationsatisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion. A predeterminedpermissibility criterion is a rule or condition for avoiding detrimentalimpact to the service requester, the service provider, and/or theservice request. For example, a predetermined permissibility criterionmay indicate that selecting an alternative pickup location can beselected if it results in an overall lower predicted or estimatedservice cost of the transport service.

According to an aspect, a service requester (e.g., a rider) can make aservice request to receive transport at an initial pickup location.Thereafter, the service requester can then perform some action thatsignals the service requester's intent to have the transport serviceinitiate from a different pickup location. Consider an example situationwhere the service requester accidentally sets the initial pickuplocation to be at a street at the back of their home, but would ratherhave the pickup location be at the street in front of their home. Insuch an example, the service requester can perform some action thatsignals the service requester's intent to have the transport serviceinitiate from the street in front of their home. In some examples, theaction can be explicit, such as the service requester entering input ona user-interface to select a new or alternative pickup location (e.g.,the user-interface input may be the specification of a request to changethe service location, or the explicit specification of the alternativelocation itself). In other examples, the service requester's intent canbe inferred by detecting a user action using, for example, location datatransmitted from the mobile device of the service requester. Forexample, the mobile device of the user may transmit location data to thenetwork computer system that indicates the service requester is walkingaway from the initial pickup location. In such examples, the inferredaction (e.g., user walking away from the original pickup location) cantrigger the network computer system to change the initial pickuplocation to an alternative pickup location, coinciding with the servicerequester's changed location. In a variation, the network computersystem can send a set of recommended alternative pickup locations to theservice requester for selection, in response to the network computersystem detecting a user action (e.g., explicit or implicit) to changethe pickup location.

If the user's intent to select the alternative pickup location isdetected after the service request is matched (e.g., after a serviceprovider is selected to fulfil the service request, and the serviceprovider is on-route to the initial pickup location to pick up theservice requester), the network computer system determines whether thenew or alternative pickup location satisfies a predeterminedpermissibility criterion. If the predetermined permissibility criterionis satisfied, some examples provide that the network computer systemautomatically implements changes to facilitate completion of the servicerequest using the new pickup location. For example, the computer systemmay instruct the service provider and/or service requester to arrive atthe new pickup location. If the predetermined permissibility criterionis not satisfied, some variations provide that the service requester isdenied the ability to change the service location of the servicerequest. In such examples, the service requester may be required tocancel the service request all together.

In some implementations, the service requester and/or service providermay be informed of changes to service parameters, such as a change infare, because of the change in the service location of the servicerequest. According to such examples, the predetermined permissibilitycriterion may be based on a predicted change to one or more serviceparameters, such as service fulfilment duration (e.g., a duration oftime interval remaining until a service requester arrives at a specifieddestination of the service request), overall service duration (e.g.,amount of total time between the current location of the serviceprovider to the new pickup location, if permitted, and to the specifieddestination of the service request), actual or estimated servicedistance (e.g., distance from pickup location to the specifieddestination of the service request), estimated service initializationtime (e.g., arrival time at the pickup location or the start of theservice request), estimated service completion time (e.g., the predictedtime of arrival at the specified destination of the service request),and/or service costs (e.g., the predicted fare of the transportservice).

According to another aspect, a service provider can request or performsome action that indicates the service provider's desire to change aservice location (e.g., the original pickup location) of a servicerequest which the service provider is matched to. For example, a serviceprovider may notice that the current original pickup location is in themiddle of a heavily congested area, and the service provider may want toreposition or change the service location of the service request to aless congested area close to the original pickup location. In someexamples, a network computer system can detect an action (or series ofactions) of the service provider to enable pickup of the servicerequester at an alternative location that is near but not the same asthe pickup location. In some examples, the action can be explicit, suchas service provider entering input on a user-interface that is generatedfor the on-demand service on the mobile device of the service provider(e.g., the user-interface input may be the specification of a request tochange the service location, or the explicit specification of thealternative location itself). In other examples, the action can beinferred, such as location data of the mobile device of the serviceprovider indicating that the service provider is moving away from theinitial pickup location. The network computer system can evaluate thesuitability of the alternative location for picking up the servicerequester, based on whether the change in resulting service parameterssatisfies one or more predetermined permissibility criterion (e.g.,rules pertaining to walking distance/time for the service requester totravel to the alternative pickup location, changes to trip completiontime, etc.). If the predetermined permissibility criterion is satisfied,some examples provide that the network computer system automaticallyimplements changes to facilitate completion of the service request usingthe alternative pickup location. For example, the computer system mayinstruct the service provider and/or service requester to arrive at thenew pickup location. If the predetermined permissibility criterion isnot satisfied, some variations provide that the service provider isdenied the ability to change the service location of the servicerequest. In some implementations, the service requester and/or serviceprovider may be informed of changes to service parameters, such as achange in fare, because of the change in the service location of theservice request.

Many examples are described below in the context of transportationservices, wherein a first user can request a transportation service froma second user. However, it will be appreciated that the networkcomputing system can provide other services, such as delivery of items(e.g., food items and products) or any suitable service, in otherexamples.

As provided herein, the terms “user,” “requester” and “servicerequester” are used throughout this application interchangeably todescribe a person or group of people who utilize a requester applicationon a computing device to request, over one or more networks, on-demandservices from a network computing system. The term “service provider” isused to describe a person utilizing a provider application on acomputing device to provide on-demand services to the servicerequesters.

One or more examples described herein provide that methods, techniques,and actions performed by a computing device are performedprogrammatically, or as a computer-implemented method. Programmatically,as used, means through the use of code or computer-executableinstructions. These instructions can be stored in one or more memoryresources of the computing device. A programmatically performed step mayor may not be automatic.

Additionally, one or more examples described herein can be implementedusing programmatic modules, engines, or components. A programmaticmodule, engine, or component can include a program, a sub-routine, aportion of a program, or a software component or a hardware componentcapable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions. As usedherein, a module or component can exist on a hardware componentindependently of other modules or components. Alternatively, a module orcomponent can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs,or machines.

Moreover, examples described herein can generally require the use ofspecialized computing devices, including processing and memoryresources. For example, one or more examples described may beimplemented, in whole or in part, on computing devices such as servers,desktop computers, cellular or smartphones, personal digital assistants(e.g., PDAs), laptop computers, printers, digital picture frames,network equipment (e.g., routers), wearable computing devices, andtablet devices. Memory, processing, and network resources may all beused in connection with the establishment, use, or performance of anyexample described herein (including with the performance of any methodor with the implementation of any system). For instance, a computingdevice coupled to a data storage device storing the computer program andconfigured to execute the program corresponds to a special-purposecomputing device. Furthermore, any computing systems referred to in thespecification may include a single processor or may be architecturesemploying multiple processor designs for increased computing capability.

Furthermore, on or more examples described herein may be implementedthrough the use of instructions that are executable by one or moreprocessors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readablemedium. Machines shown or described with figures below provide examplesof processing resources and computer-readable mediums on whichinstructions for implementing examples described can be carried and/orexecuted. In particular, the numerous machines shown with examplesdescribed include processor(s) and various forms of memory for holdingdata and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums includepermanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personalcomputers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums includeportable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash memory (such ascarried on smartphones, multifunctional devices or tablets), andmagnetic memory. Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g.,mobile devices, such as cell phones) are all examples of machines anddevices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored oncomputer-readable mediums. Additionally, examples may be implemented inthe form of computer-programs, or a computer usable carrier mediumcapable of carrying such a program.

Alternatively, one or more examples described herein may be implementedthrough the use of dedicated hardware logic circuits that are comprisedof an interconnection of logic gates. Such circuits are typicallydesigned using a hardware description language (HDL), such as Verilogand VHDL. These languages contain instructions that ultimately definethe layout of the circuit. However, once the circuit is fabricated,there are no instructions. All the processing is performed byinterconnected gates.

System Description

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network computer system in communicationwith requester device(s) and provider device(s). Network computer system100 can implement or manage a transport-related service, such as anon-demand service to transport a requester from a service start (orpickup location) to a destination location. In some examples, networkcomputer system 100 can match service requests generated from requestersoperating requester devices (represented in FIG. 1 by requester device120) with service providers, operating provider devices (represented inFIG. 1 by service provider device 130), who transport the requestersusing a corresponding service vehicle.

Network computer system 100 can enable network services to be requestedby the users of requester device(s) 120 and provided by availableservice providers associated with service provider device(s) 130. Asshown by an example of FIG. 1 , network computer system 100 communicateswith a service application 125 running on a requester device 120 toprovide functionality for the user to generate service requests and toreceive transport services. Additionally, network computer system 100communicates with a service application 135 running on the serviceprovider device 130 to provide functionality to match the serviceprovider with service requests generated from the requester devices.Requester device(s) 120 and service provider device(s) 130 can comprisemobile computing devices with functionality to execute serviceapplication 125 and service application 135, respectively. Examples ofmobile computing devices include smartphones, tablet computers, virtualreality or augmented reality headsets, on-board computing systems ofvehicles, etc.

Network computer system 100 can include one or more communicationinterfaces to communicate with requester device(s) 120 and/or serviceprovider device(s) 130 over network(s) 114. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 1 , network computer system 100 can include requester deviceinterface 108 to communicate over network(s) 114 with the serviceapplication 125 running on requester device(s) 120. Additionally, thenetwork computer system 100 can include service provider interface 112to communicate over network(s) 114 with service application 135 runningon provider device(s) 130.

A service request can include a network service type (e.g., delivery offood or products, transportation arrangement services, etc.),user-configurable service parameters (e.g., the number of seatsrequested for a car pool transport request, scheduling information,etc.), and identification information for a user of requester device120. The service request can include data related to one or more servicelocations. For example, the service request can include a servicelocation that is associated with a service initialization location(e.g., a pickup location for a transport service request) a serviceprovider is to travel to, to render the service. In other examples, theservice request can include a service location that is associated with afinal service location (e.g., a destination location) a service provideris to travel to, to complete the service. Examples of service locationsinclude a latitude and longitude coordinate, a geographical area, a POI(point of interest), etc. Examples of a POI include a building, a cornerof a street intersection, and a section of a street.

Network computer system 100 can include location selector 102 torestrict or authorize a change in a service location of a servicerequest that has been assigned to a service provider. Location selector102 can restrict or authorize a change in a service location to a new oralternative service location (e.g., a second service location) based onwhether the alternative service location satisfies the predeterminedpermissibility criterion (e.g., location selector 102 can authorize thechange if the alternative service location satisfies a predeterminedpermissibility criterion or restrict or prevent the change if thealternative service location does not satisfy the predeterminedpermissibility criterion). Location selector 102 can utilize servicelocation criterion logic 140 to determine whether the alternativeservice location satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion ofthe service request.

In some examples, the predetermined permissibility criterion can bebased on a comparison of service parameters (e.g., service cost, serviceinitialization time, service completion time, service duration, etc.) ofthe original service location of the service request and the alternativeservice location. For example, a predetermined permissibility criterionmay indicate that an estimated service initialization time of thealternative pickup location cannot be later than the estimated serviceinitialization time of the original pickup location of the servicerequest. In such examples, service location criterion logic 140 cancompare the estimated service initialization time of the original pickuplocation to the estimated service initialization time of the alternativepickup location, and determine whether the estimated serviceinitialization time of the alternative pickup location is not later thanthe estimated service initialization time of the original pickuplocation of the service request (in accordance with the predeterminedpermissibility criterion). Other examples of service parameters caninclude service fulfilment duration (e.g., duration of intervalremaining until requester arrives at a specified destination of theservice request), overall service duration (e.g., amount of total timebetween the current location of the service provider to the new pickuplocation, if permitted, and to the specified destination of the servicerequest), service distance (e.g., distance from pickup location to thespecified destination of the service request), estimated serviceinitialization time (e.g., arrival time at the pickup location or thestart of the service request), estimated service completion time (e.g.,the predicted time of arrival at the specified destination of theservice request), and/or service costs (e.g., the predicted fare of thetransport service).

Network computer system 100 can transmit to a user device (e.g.,requester device(s) 120 and/or service provider device(s) 130) aninstruction to associate a service request with a second servicelocation that satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion inplace of an original service location of the service request. In someimplementations, network computer system 100 can transmit theinstruction to a user device (e.g., service provider device 130 and/orrequester device 120) in response to determining that the second servicelocation satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion of theservice request.

In some implementations, network computer system 100 can change theservice location of a service request upon determining that a serviceparameter (e.g., the cost, the service initialization time, or servicecompletion time, etc.) of an alternative service request satisfies apredetermined criterion value of a predetermined permissibilitycriterion. For example, a predetermined permissibility criterionspecifies that an initial service location of a service request can bechanged to an alternative service location, if the service cost of thealternative service location is at least 10% lower than the service costof the initial service location. Thus, the aforementioned predeterminedcriterion value may correspond to a minimum threshold percentage changeor delta in the value of a service parameter for the alternative servicelocation (as compared to the value of that service parameter for theoriginal service location).

Network computer service 100 can constrain or limit when a servicerequest can be associated with an alternative service location in placeof an original service location of the service request. In someexamples, the limitation can be based on a proximity distance thresholdof the original service location of the service request. For example,network service 100 can associate the service request with thealternative service location, if the alternative service location iswithin a proximity distance threshold to the original service location.In another example, network computer system 100 can transmitinstructions to service application 125 and/or service application 135to restrict a user input (e.g., a user input of requester device 120and/or a user input of service provider device 130) from changing theservice location to a second or alternative service location outside aproximity distance threshold of the first or original service location.Additionally, in such an example, the instruction from network computersystem 100 can also enable a user input to change the service locationto an alternative service location within the proximity distancethreshold of the first or original service location. Other examples oflimitations include frequency (e.g. a number of times the user ofrequester device 120 or service provider associated with provider device130 can change the service location), and a time period (e.g. a graceperiod or a time limit) after the service request has been transmittedto or accepted by the service provider when the user of requester device120 or service provider associated with provider device 130 can changethe service location.

In some implementations, network computer system 100 can automaticallytransmit an instruction to a device (e.g., requester device 120 and/orservice provider device 130) to associate a service request with analternative service location in place of an original service location ofa service request. In some examples, network computer system 100 canautomatically transmit the instruction based on location selector 102determining that an alternative service location satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion of the service request. In suchexamples, in some implementations, determining the new service locationsatisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion can be based onsensor data and/or location data of service provider device 130 and/orrequester device 120. In other examples, network computer system 100 cantransmit the instruction to a device (e.g., service provider device 130and/or requester device 120) upon determining that the service provideris in the process of fulfilling the service request (e.g., the serviceprovider has accepted the service request). For example, networkcomputer system 100 can determine from location data from a locationbased resource of service provider device 130 that the correspondingservice provider is traveling towards the original service location ofthe service request. In response to such a determination, networkcomputer system 100 can transmit the instruction to the service providerdevice 130 and/or requester device 120. Network computer system 100 canthus enable the service location of the service request to be changed,even when the service provider is already en route to the initialservice location. Thus, the service requester may be provided someflexibility to change the service location when, for example, theinitial service location was made in error or when circumstances makethe initial service location inconvenient. As described with otherexamples, network computer system 100 can implement controls to restrictthe ability of the service requester to change the initial servicelocation to avoid, for example, added hardship or cost to the serviceprovider. As such, the added flexibility provided to the servicerequester does not cause undue hardship to the service provider.

Network computer system 100 can intelligently recommend a set ofalternative locations for a user (e.g., a user of requester device 120or service provider associated with provider device 130) to select. Forexample, network computer system 100 can identify locations within aproximity distance threshold of the initial service location (e.g., theinitial pickup location of the service request) and check whether eachlocation satisfies at least one predetermined permissibility criteria ofthe service request. In other variations, network computer system 100can filter out and highlight service locations that are commonlyselected, based on historical data of previously submitted servicerequests and/or requests to change the service location of a servicerequest. In some examples, network computer system 100 can filter outand highlight service locations that have been previously identified assafe for picking up a service requester (e.g., based on mapping datafrom mapping engine 106, the service location is located next to asidewalk and not on the highway). In other examples, network computersystem 100 can filter out and highlight locations that are convenientfor a service provider (e.g. based on real-time traffic data, networkcomputer system 100 can determine one intersection maybe more convenientfor a service provider to pick up a service requester than anotherintersection. Examples of an alternative service location include alatitude and longitude coordinate, a geographical area, a POI, etc.Examples of a POI include a building, a corner of a street intersection,and a section of a street.

Additionally, in some examples, network computer system 100 can providean instruction to a device (e.g., requester device 120 and/or serviceprovider device 130) to restrict a user's input (e.g., from the user ofrequester device 120 and/or the service provider associated withprovider device 130) so that the user can only change the servicelocation of the service request to one of the alternative servicelocations from the recommended set of alternative locations. In exampleswhere an alternative location is a geographic area, network computersystem 100 can limit a user input so that the user can only change theservice location to a location within the geographic area. In otherexamples, network computer system 100 can identify an alternativelocation or a set of alternative locations for a user (e.g., a user ofrequester device 120 or a service provider associated with providerdevice 130) to select, upon detecting a user's input to initiateassociating the service request with another service location before theuser explicitly specifies an alternative service location. For instance,a user (e.g., a service provider or service requester) can transmit arequest to network computer system 100 to change the pickup location ofan open service request by simply selecting, for example, a “changeservice location” graphical user interface element presented by serviceapplication 125/135. In such an instance, the user has not yetexplicitly specified an alternative service location, and thus theservice request transmitted to the network computer system 100 does notinclude a user-specified alternative service location. Accordingly,network computer system 100 can identify or recommend an alternativelocation or a set of alternative locations to the user via serviceapplication 125/135, and the user may select a recommended alternativelocation to change the pickup location of the service request to theselected alternative location.

Network computer system 100 can include database 104. Database 104 canstore a variety of data from requester device(s) 120 and serviceprovider device(s) 130. For example, database 104 can store status datafrom service provider device(s) 130 and/or requestor device(s) 120. Insome examples, status data includes location data of a requestordevice(s) 120 and/or service provider device(s) 130. Service providerdevice 130 and requester device 120 can transmit location data fromlocation based resources (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)resources) included in service provider device 130 and requester device120, respectively. In some examples, service provider 130 and requesterdevice 120 can periodically transmit location data to database 104 toupdate the location of service provider device 130 and requester device120, respectively. Examples of other status data include steps ofnetwork services already performed (e.g., a delivery item has beenpicked up), steps of network services currently being performed (e.g., adelivery item is being picked up), and steps of network services to beperformed (e.g., a delivery item is to be picked up).

Location selector 102 can utilize sensor data in determining whether aservice location satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion of aservice request. In some examples, sensor data can include real-timetraffic data from a third-party provider. In other examples, sensor datacan include real-time weather data from a third-party provider. In yetother examples, sensor data can include real-time traffic dataderived/determined from environmental data from one or more vehicles ofone or more service providers. In some examples, the one or morevehicles are one or more autonomous vehicles. The environmental datafrom the vehicle can be from one or more sensors operatively connectedto a corresponding service provider vehicle. Each sensor can detect dataof the environment surrounding a corresponding vehicle (e.g., speed ofthe vehicle, the average speed of the vehicle, number of objects (e.g.cars, motorcycles, cyclists) around the vehicle at a given timeframe,how far an object is from the vehicle, the speed of each object aroundthe vehicle, the location of each vehicle, etc.). In suchimplementations, the environmental data from a vehicle can be processedby location selector 102 to determine real-time traffic data. In otherexamples, a service provider can transmit environmental data (e.g. roadclosures, heavy traffic, etc.) through service application 135 tonetwork computer system 100. Additionally, the environmental data fromeach vehicle and the derived real-time traffic data can be stored inlocation selector 102.

In some examples, location selector 102 can utilize sensor data andlocation data of service provider device 130 and/or requester device 120in determining environmental data about a particular vehicle (e.g., theservice provider) in a particular area. In some examples, theenvironmental data of the vehicle can include the speed of the vehicle,the location of the vehicle, the speed of an object near the vehicle,and the location of the object relative to the vehicle. Additionally, insome examples, location selector 102 can derive real-time traffic datafrom the environmental data. For example, the environmental data canindicate that the vehicle is traveling at 45 mph, with an object (e.g.car/motorcycle/cyclist) 5 feet from the right side of the vehicle thatis traveling at 40 mph. As such, the location selector 102 can determinethat the current traffic is light for that particular vehicle becauseboth the vehicle and the object are traveling at relatively fast rates(45 mph and 40 mph respectively). Additionally, the location selector102 can utilize the current location of service provider device 130 toalso determine that the current traffic is light for that particularvehicle in that particular area. In some implementations, locationselector 102 can receive environmental data of multiple regions or areasfrom multiple vehicles (e.g., multiple service provider devices 130).

In some implementations, location selector 102 can utilize location dataof the service provider (e.g., from location based resources of acorresponding service provider device 130) and the above describedsensor data, environmental data, and/or derived real-time traffic datawhen determining whether to authorize or restrict a change in theservice location of the service request. For example, location selector102 can derive real time traffic data from environmental data from oneor more vehicles (e.g., service providers) of region A. Additionally,suppose location selector 102 determines that the current location of aservice provider is within region A and that the service provider istraveling towards a specified service location (e.g., pick-up location)of a matched service request. If the service requester of the matchedservice request sends a request to change the service location of thematched service request to an alternative service location, thenlocation selector 102 determines whether the alternative location wouldsatisfy a predetermined permissibility criterion (e.g., a rule statingthat the service initialization time of the alternative service locationcannot be later than the service initialization time associated with theoriginal service location of the service request) before authorizing orrestricting the change, based on the derived real time traffic data andthe current location of the service provider of the matched servicerequest. For example, if location selector 102 determines that thealternative location is in a highly congested area within region A thatwould result in the service provider taking longer to pick up theservice requester (e.g., resulting in a later service initializationtime) than it would with the original service location, the locationselector 102 can restrict the changing of the service location of thematched service request to the alternative service location. However, iflocation selector 102 determines that the alternative location wouldresult in an earlier pick up time (e.g., earlier service initializationtime) than it would with the original service location (e.g., iflocation selector 102 determines that the original service location isin a highly congest area within region A), then location selector 102can authorize the change in service location to the alternative servicelocation.

Network computer system 100 can include a mapping engine 106. Mappingengine 106 can utilize a third-party mapping services to generate mapdata of the environment surrounding one or more service locations of aservice request on a map interface of service application 125/135.Additionally, mapping engine 106 can receive location data from one ormore service provider vehicles. The location data can be graphicallyrepresented on the map interface of service application 125/135 torepresent the current location and the movements of a correspondingservice provider vehicle. In some examples, mapping engine 106 canreceive real-time traffic data from a third-party provider.Additionally, mapping engine 106 can transmit the real-time traffic dataof a third-party provider to location selector 102. In other examples,mapping engine 106 can transmit historical traffic data (e.g. speedlimits, historical traffic conditions for one or more regions during oneor more timeframes, etc.) and road laws data stored in database 104 tolocation selector 102. In some implementations, historical traffic dataand road laws data can be utilized by location selector 102 whendetermining real-time traffic data from the environmental data.

Network computer system 100 can include selection engine 110. Selectionengine 110 can process a service request from requester device(s) 120 toselect a candidate service provider of service provider device 130 tofulfill the service request. For example, selection engine 110 can usethe location data of service provider device(s) 130 to select acandidate service provider to fulfill the service request from requesterdevice 120. In some examples, selection of a candidate service providercan be based on the proximity of each service provider device 130 of thecorresponding candidate service provider to the requester device 120 ofthe service request. In other examples, selection of a service providercan be based on the estimated service initialization time (e.g., theservice provider that can start the service request the soonest). In yetother examples, selection of a service provider can be based on theexperience, customer/requester feedback and ratings, duration of timeworking, current earnings, etc., of the service provider.

Selection engine 110 can transmit a service invitation to serviceprovider device 130 in response to selection engine 110 selecting anavailable service provider to fulfill the service request. In someexamples, network computer system 100 can transmit user accountinformation of the service requester associated with the service requestto each service provider device 130 of each corresponding candidateservice provider. Examples of user account information of the requester(e.g., user of requester device 120) include a name and a photograph ofthe user associated with service request. In some examples, the useraccount information can be stored in database 104.

A candidate service provider can accept, reject, or cancel the serviceinvitation after receiving the service invitation. If the candidateservice provider accepts the service invitation, network computingsystem 100 can assign the candidate service provider to the servicerequest. Additionally, in some examples, in response to the candidateservice provider accepting the service invitation, network computersystem 100 can transmit a confirmation of that acceptance to requesterdevice 120. If the candidate service provider rejects or cancels theservice invitation, network computing system 100 can determine andselect another candidate service provider to fulfill the servicerequest.

Network computer system 100 can provide application data to requesterdevice(s) 120 and/or service provider device(s) 130 to execute. Forexample, service application 125 and 135 can execute the applicationdata from network computer system 100. In some examples, a serviceapplication (e.g., service application 125 and/or service application135) can include a map interface. In such examples, the serviceapplication (e.g., service application 125 and/or service application135) can also execute the application data to generate a graphicalrepresentation of a service location of the service request on the mapinterface. Furthermore, in some examples, the application data caninclude data for highlighting the graphical representation of theservice location.

In some implementations, network computer system 100 can transmitmagnification instructions to be executed by the service application(e.g., service application 125 and/or service application 135) tomagnify at least a portion of the map interface. In some examples,network computer system 100 can determine that service provider device130 is within a predetermined proximity threshold to the originalservice location of the service request. As such, network computersystem 100 can transmit magnification instructions and application datato the service application 125/135, in response to such a determination.The application data, when executed by the service application 125/135,can cause the service application 125/135 to generate a graphicalrepresentation of a location of provider device 130 and a graphicalrepresentation of a service location of a service request. Themagnification instructions, when executed by the service application125/135, can cause the service application 125/135 to magnify at least aportion of the map interface that can include the graphicalrepresentation of the location of provider device 130 and a graphicalrepresentation of the service location. In some examples, themagnification instruction causes the service application (e.g., serviceapplication 125 and/or service application 135) to magnify apredetermined area around the graphical representation of the servicelocation. In other examples, the predetermined area around the graphicalrepresentation of the service location includes the graphicalrepresentation of the location of provider device 130.

An instruction to associate a service request with an alternativeservice location in place of an original service location of the servicerequest can be reflected on a map interface executed on a serviceapplication (e.g., service application 125/135). In some examples, auser of a requester device 120 or a service provider associated with aprovider device 130 may want to change a service location of a servicerequest that the user of requester device 120 had already transmitted(e.g., thereby causing a repositioning event). For example, a user mayaccidentally set their pickup location on a street at the rear of theproperty instead of the front, and would like to change the pickuplocation to a street at the front of the property. In other examples,the service provider may realize, while driving to the service location,that the service location included in the service request is in aheavily congested area. In such examples, the service provider may wantto reposition the pickup location to a less congested area close to theoriginal pickup location. FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an examplerepositioning event, on a map interface executed on a serviceapplication (e.g., service application 125/135). FIG. 2A illustrates anexample map UI 200 that can display a service provider being routed froma current location of the service provider to an original servicelocation of a service request on map UI 200. For example, map UI 200 candisplay service provider graphic 202 that corresponds to the currentlocation of the service provider and first service location graphic 208that corresponds to the original service location. Additionally, map UI200 can display original route 204 that corresponds to a route betweenthe current location of the service provider (represented by to serviceprovider graphic 202) to the original service location (represented byto first service location graphic 208). Moreover, map UI 200 can displaythe current location of the service requester as service requestergraphic 206. In some examples, the original service location of theservice request corresponds to a service initialization location (e.g.,a pickup location for a transportation service request).

Map UI 200 can be executed by a service application (e.g., serviceapplication 125 and/or service application 135) on a mobile computingdevice (e.g., requester device 120 and/or service provider device 130).In some implementations, a network computer service can provideapplication data to generate and update the map interface of UI 200(e.g., map data from mapping engine 106). Routing data can be receivedfrom a network computer system (e.g. mapping engine 106). Location datacan be provided by the service provider device corresponding to serviceprovider graphic 202 (e.g. service provider device 130). Servicelocation data (e.g. the original service location) can be provided bythe network computer system (e.g., network computer system 100) ordirectly retrieved from a service request. Application data to generateoriginal route 204, service provider graphic 202, service requestergraphic 206, and first service location graphic 208 can be provided by anetwork computer system. The real-time location of the service providercan be displayed on map UI 200 by displaying the corresponding movementof service provider graphic 202 on map UI 200. Location datacorresponding to the movement of the service provider can beperiodically received from a service provider device (via a networkcomputer system) and generated or reflected on map UI 200 by the serviceapplication.

A change in a service location of a service request can be reflected onmap UI 200. For example, FIG. 2B illustrates an example map UI 200 thatcan display the change in the service location of the service requestfrom an original service location to an alternative service location. Insome examples, a user (e.g., service requester or service provider) mayinitiate the change of the service location of the service request byinteracting with a graphical representation provided by map UI 200(e.g., EDIT button 210 in FIG. 2A).

In some implementations, the network computer service (e.g., the networkcomputer service 100) can limit where the new or alternative servicelocation can be changed to. Additionally, the network computer systemcan transmit application data to a service application (e.g., serviceapplication 125 and/or service application 135) and cause the serviceapplication to generate and display such limits on map UI 200. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, map UI 200 can include boundarygraphic 216 that represents an area where a user input (e.g., a userinput of requester device 120 and/or a user input of service providerdevice 130) can change the new or alternative service location of theservice request to. For example, a user (e.g., service provider orservice requester) can move first service location graphic 208 (e.g.,moving and dropping a pin graphical representation of the originalservice location) or change the address of the original service locationof the service request to any area within boundary graphic 216 (e.g.,resulting in the alternative service location represented by secondservice location graphic 214). Additionally, the areas outside theboundary graphic 216 can represent areas that a user cannot change theservice location to. For example, a user cannot move first servicelocation graphic 208 or change the address corresponding to the firstservice location graphic 208 to an area outside of boundary graphic 216.In some implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, boundary graphic 216can be circular radius boundary with the first service graphic 208 inthe middle of boundary graphic 216. In other implementations, boundarygraphic 216 can be any type of shape (e.g., a semi-circle, an oval, apolygonal shape, an L-shape, a square, a hexagonal shape, etc.).

In some examples, the area of boundary graphic 216 can represent orcorrespond to a predetermined proximity threshold of the first ororiginal service location (e.g., a 1 block radius from the first servicelocation). In other examples, the area of boundary graphic 216represents or corresponds to an area within which an alternative servicelocation can satisfy a predetermined permissibility criterion describedherein (e.g., rules pertaining to the alternative service locationhaving an equal or lower predicted service cost, predicted servicecompletion time, predicted service initialization time, etc., incomparison to the original service location). In such examples, the areaoutside of boundary graphic 216 represents an area in which analternative service location cannot satisfy the predeterminedpermissibility criterion. In yet other examples, although notillustrated in FIG. 2B, the network computer system 100 can determineone or more suggested or recommended alternative service locations (asdescribed earlier) and display them on the map UI 200, such that a usercan select one of the suggested or recommended alternative servicelocations, to thereby change the original service location of theservice request to the selected alternative service location.

In some implementations, the network computer system (e.g., networkcomputer system 100) can utilize sensor data (as discussed earlier) todetermine areas where potential alternative service locations withinsuch areas can or cannot satisfy a predetermined permissibilitycriterion of the service request described herein (e.g., rulespertaining to the alternative service location having an equal or lowerpredicted service cost, predicted service completion time, predictedservice initialization time, etc., in comparison to the original servicelocation). Additionally, the network computer system can show such areason map UI 200. For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the network computersystem can determine that a portion of Golden Gate Avenue currently hashighly congested traffic conditions. As such, the network computersystem can send application data to the service application (e.g.,service application 125/135) to restrict a user input from changing theservice location to an alternative service location that is on a portionof Golden Gate Avenue between Arguello Boulevard and Willard NorthStreet. Additionally, the network computer system can send applicationdata to the service application (e.g., service application 125/135) toshow, on map UI 200, a graphical representation of areas that a usercannot change the service location of the service request to (e.g., ahighly-congested portion of Golden Gate Avenue between ArguelloBoulevard and Willard North Street). In some implementations, thegraphical representations of the restricted areas can be highlighted(e.g., with a specific color or shading) on map UI 200. In exampleswhere the restricted areas are within a graphical representation of aboundary (e.g., boundary graphic 216), the graphical representation ofthe boundary can wrap around or exclude the restricted areas, and/or behighlighted.

FIG. 2C illustrates an example map UI 200 that can display an updatedroute of the service provider if the alternative service location isauthorized by the network computer system (e.g., network computer system100). As discussed previously, a network computer system (e.g. networkcomputer system 100) can restrict or authorize a change in a servicelocation based on whether the new or alternative service locationsatisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion. As illustrated inFIG. 2C, the alternative service location is represented by secondservice location graphic 214. FIG. 2C also illustrates an updated route212. Updated route 212 corresponds to the new route between the currentlocation of the service provider (e.g. service provider graphic 202) andthe alternative service location (second service location graphic 214).Routing data and application data to generate updated route 212 can bereceived from a network computer system (e.g. mapping engine 106).

In some implementations, map UI 200 can indicate that an alternativeservice location satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion of aservice request better than an original service location of the servicerequest. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, map UI 200 canpresent the differing service initialization times associated with theoriginal service location and the alternative service location. Asillustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the service initialization time for theoriginal service location (represented by first service location graphic208) is 6 min, while, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, the serviceinitialization time for the alternative service location (represented bysecond service location graphic 214) is 4 minutes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example location selector (e.g., location selector102) of a network computer system (e.g. network computer system 100). Insome implementations, similar to FIG. 1 , a network computer system(e.g. network computer system 100) can include location selector 300with service location criterion logic 302. As illustrated in FIG. 3 ,location selector 300 can also include environment module 304 andcommunication interface 306. Location selector 300 can communicate withservice application 335 running on requester device(s) 330 and serviceapplication 345 running on service provider device(s) 340 throughcommunication interface 306 and over network(s) 370. In some asexamples, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , communication interface 306 caninclude requester device interface 312 to communicate over network(s)370 with service application 335 running on requester device(s) 330.Additionally, communication interface 306 can include service providerinterface 314 to communicate over network(s) 370 with serviceapplication 345 running on service provider device(s) 340.

Location selector 300 can restrict or authorize a change in firstservice location 350 (e.g., an original service location) of a servicerequest to second service location 360 (e.g., an alternative servicelocation). In some implementations, location selector 300 can utilizeservice location criterion logic 302 to change first service location350 to second service location 360. Service location criterion logic 302can authorize the change if second service location 360 satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion of the service request. In someexamples, service location criterion logic 302 can determine secondservice location 360 satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterionif the predicted service cost (e.g., a financial cost to the requestorfor the service request) associated with second service location 360 isno greater than the predicted service cost associated with first servicelocation 350. Examples of other predetermined permissibility criteriacan pertain to service initialization time (e.g., the time to the startof the service request is shorter for the alternative service locationthan it is for the original service location) and overall servicecompletion time (e.g., the time to complete the service request isshorter for the alternative service location than it is for the originalservice location). In some implementations, determining that analternative service location satisfies a predetermined permissibilitycriterion can include determining whether the user of requesterdevice(s) 330 consented to the change in service location of the servicerequest (e.g., from first service location 350 to second servicelocation 360). Location selector 300 can transmit instructions torequester device(s) 330 or service provider device(s) 340 to change orassociate the service request with second service location 360 in placeof first service location 350 of the service request, upon locationselector 300 determining second service location 360 satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion. Examples of second servicelocation 360 can include a latitude and longitude coordinate, ageographical area, a POI, etc. Examples of a POI include a building, acorner of a street intersection, and a section of a street. In someimplementations, the POI is nearest to the service provider vehicle orservice provider device 340.

In some implementations, service location criterion logic 302 canidentify a set of alternative service locations for a user (e.g., userof requester device 330 or service provider associated with providerdevice 340) to select. The set of alternative service locations caninclude one or more alternative service locations (e.g., second servicelocation 360) that each satisfy a predetermined permissibility criterionof a service request. In some examples, the alternative servicelocations can be known service locations that other service requestershave included in their service request. In other examples, thealternative service locations can include a service location thatservice providers or service requesters have changed the servicelocation of a service request to. In either example, service locationcriterion logic 302 can determine whether each of the alternativeservice locations can satisfy a predetermined permissibility criterion.

In some implementations, service location criterion logic 302 can selectany alternative service location that can satisfy a predeterminedpermissibility criterion. In other implementations, service locationcriterion logic 302 can select any alternative service location that cansatisfy a predetermined permissibility criterion and is within aproximity threshold of first service location 350. In yet otherimplementations, as discussed above, service location criterion logic302 can utilize sensor data when determining whether the alternativeservice location satisfies the predetermined permissibility criterion.

In other implementations, service location criterion logic 302 canautomatically transmit an instruction to requester device 330 and/orservice provider device 340 to change first service location 350 ofservice request to second service location 360. In such implementations,service location criterion logic 302 can automatically transmit theinstruction when service location criterion logic 302 determines thatsecond service location 360 satisfies a predetermined permissibilitycriterion. In some examples, service location criterion logic 302 canbase such a determination on sensor data and/or location data of serviceprovider device 340 and/or requester device 330.

In some implementations, location selector 300 can detect an event toassociate the service request with second service location 360, based onsensor data. Examples of the event include location selector 300determining, from the location data of service provider device 340, thatthe service provider device 340 or the service provider vehicle hasremained motionless (e.g., the vehicle of the service provider orprovider device 340 remaining motionless for a predetermined timethreshold), and/or that service provider device 340 or the serviceprovider vehicle has not travelled a distance exceeding a predetermineddistance threshold (such as during a given time interval). Additionally,in some implementations, in response to determining a service provideris traveling towards first service location 350 of the service request,location selector 300 can detect the event based on sensor data. Forexample, service location criterion logic 302 can determine a serviceprovider is traveling towards first service location 350 of the servicerequest based on service location criterion logic 302 receiving locationdata from service provider device 340.

In some examples, the event can further include location selector 300determining that service provider device 340 or the service providervehicle is within a proximity distance threshold of first servicelocation 350. Such a proximity distance threshold can be utilized by thelocation selector 300 to limit the service provider from changing aservice location of a service request to an alternative location thatcould potentially create hardships and increased costs for the servicerequester (e.g., a location that is inconvenient or much more costly tothe service requester). For example, ensuring that service providers arewithin a proximity distance threshold (e.g., 100 yards) of the firstservice location 350 may prevent service providers from changing theservice locations flippantly, and may help ensure that they are closeenough to the first service location to observe legitimate issues withthe first service location (congestion, accident, roadblock, illegalparking area, etc.) On the other hand, in accordance with some exampleembodiments, the proximity distance threshold should also be largeenough to still enable a service provider to be able to minimize anyhardships and conditions that may detriment one or more serviceparameters of the service request (e.g., service cost, serviceinitialization time, service completion time, etc.). For example, if theproximity distance threshold is too small, the service provider may beunable to change the service location until it is too late to be of anybenefit (e.g., it may prevent the service provider from changing acongested first service location until the service provider is alreadystuck in the congested area around the first service location). Thus, asan example scenario, suppose the service provider notices that trafficcongestion will prevent the service provider from getting to an originalfirst service location of the service request (e.g., first servicelocation 350). As such, suppose the service provider changes the servicelocation of the service request from the original service location to analternative service location (e.g., to second service location 360).Service location criterion logic 302 can change or associate the servicerequest with alternative service location (e.g., second service location360) in response to detecting that the service provider vehicle orservice provider device 340 of the service provider is, for example, 100yards or less from the original service location (e.g., first servicelocation 350). In such examples, service location criterion logic 302can change or associate the service location of the service request onlyif service provider device 340 or the service provider vehicle is withina proximity threshold from first service location 350 (e.g., 100 yards).Additionally, the proximity distance threshold can be large enough tostill allow the service provider to minimize any conditions that maydetriment one or more service parameters of the service request (e.g.,service cost, service initialization time, service completion time,etc.). In some implementations, service location criterion logic 302 canenable the service provider to change the service location of theservice request to an alternative service location (e.g., second servicelocation 360) in response to detecting the events as discussedpreviously.

Other examples of the event include location selector 300 receiving auser input from either requester device 330 or service provider device340. For example, the user input can be an instruction consenting to thechange in service location from requester device 330. In other examples,the user input can be a request from a device (e.g., service providerdevice 340 or requester device 330) to associate the service requestwith second service location 360 in place of first service location 350(e.g., a service provider or service requester changing or associatingthe service location of the service request to an alternative servicelocation). In yet other examples, the user input event can be a userinput to initiate associating the service request with second servicelocation 360 in place of first service location 350 (e.g., the serviceprovider transmitting a notification to the service requester to requesta change in service location of the service request).

In some implementations, mapping engine 320 can route and/or reroute aservice provider vehicle (based on the location data of service providerdevice 340), while maintaining first service location 350. However, atsome point, rerouting the service provider vehicle, while maintainingfirst service location 350, cannot optimize the service request (e.g.,in terms degraded service initialization time, overall servicecompletion time, etc.). As such, in some embodiments, location selector300 can limit user changes to the service location so that a user canonly change the service location of the service request if rerouting theservice provider and maintaining first service location 350 can nolonger optimize the service request. In some examples, the limitationcan be based on a proximity threshold of first service location 350 of aservice request. For example, suppose the service provider vehicle iswithin a proximity threshold of 100 yards from first service location350, but heavy traffic conditions are preventing the service providervehicle from getting to first service location 350. As such, locationselector 300 can transmit to service application 345 an instruction toenable the service provider to change first service location 350 to analternative service location, in response to location selector 300determining that the service provider (e.g., service provider 360) iswithin some proximity of first service location 350. In someimplementations, location selector 300 can transmit to serviceapplication 345 an instruction to enable the service provider to changefirst service location 350 to an alternative service location (e.g.,POI) that is within a proximity threshold to first service location 350.In other implementations, upon location selector 300 detecting serviceprovider device 340 is motionless and is within a proximity threshold offirst service location 350, the location selector 300 may automaticallyinstruct the service provider device 340 and/or requester device 330 tochange first service location 350 to a second service location 360(e.g., the nearest POI or a POI closer to the current location of theprovider device 340). In yet other implementations, location selector300 can restrict a user (e.g., a user of requester device(s) 330 orservice provider associated with provider device 340) from selectingand/or associating the service request with second service location 360that is not within a proximity threshold to first service location 350of the service request and/or that does not satisfy a predeterminedpermissibility criterion.

In examples where the alternative location is a geographic area, therestriction can be based on that geographic area. For example, locationselector 300 can transmit an instruction to requester device 330 and/orservice provider(s) device 340 to limit a user input (on serviceapplication 335 and/or 345 respectively) so that the user can onlychange first service location 350 to second location 360 that is withinthe geographic area corresponding to the alternative location. Otherexamples of restrictions or limitations include frequency (e.g. a numberof times the user of requester device 330 or service provider associatedwith provider device 340 can change the service location), apredetermined proximity threshold to first service location 350), and atime period (e.g. a grace period or a time limit) after the servicerequest has been transmitted or accepted by the service provider whenthe user of requester device 330 or service provider can change theservice location).

Location selector 300 can change a service provider already assigned toa service request (e.g., the service provider that has accepted aservice invitation of the service request) to a second service provider.In some implementations, service location criterion logic 302 canreassign the service provider in response to changing first servicelocation 350 of the service request to second service location 360. Forexample, service location criterion logic 302 may transmit aninstruction to a device (e.g., requester device 330 and/or serviceprovider device 340) to associate a service request with second servicelocation 360 in place of first service location 350 of the servicerequest. The service request may already have a service providerassigned to it. After which, service location criterion logic 302 candetermine that a second service provider can satisfy the predeterminedpermissibility criterion of the service request better than the serviceprovider already assigned to the service request (e.g. based on thecurrent locations of each service provider, the second service providercan complete the service request earlier than the service provider thataccepted a service invitation, such as when the second service provideris currently located closer to the second service location 360 than theoriginal service provider).

In some examples, service location criterion logic 302 can reassignservice providers in response to the user of requester device 330consenting to the change. In other examples, service location criterionlogic 302 can reassign a service provider of a first service request toa second service provider assigned to a second service request. Forexample, suppose service location criterion logic 302 receives a firstservice request including an original service location from a firstrequester device 330 and a second service request including a secondservice location from a second requester device 330. Also suppose afirst service provider accepts the service invitation of the firstservice request and a second service provider accepts the serviceinvitation of the second service request. Service location criterionlogic 302 can determine that another service location satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion for the first service request.Additionally, service location criterion logic 302 can determine that byassociating the first service request with the other service location,the second service provider satisfies the predetermined permissibilitycriterion of the first service request better than the first serviceprovider. As such, service location criterion logic 302 can assign thesecond service provider to the first service request associated with theother service location. Additionally, service location criterion logic302 can select another service provider for the second service request.In some examples, if service location criterion logic 302 determinesthat the first service provider satisfies the predeterminedpermissibility criterion of the second service request, then servicelocation criterion logic 302 can assign the first service provider tothe second service request.

Information describing each repositioning event (e.g., each event wherea user of requester device(s) 330 and/or service provider device(s) 340triggers a change in service location of a corresponding servicerequest) can be stored in database 310 and/or 318. In someimplementations, service location criterion logic 302 can recommend analternative location (e.g., second service location 360) to other usersof other requester devices 330 that have already selected a particularservice location in connection with a service request, if arepositioning event associated with the particular service locationmeets a repositioning event threshold (e.g., if users of requesterdevice(s) 330 and service provider device(s) 330 have changed theparticular service location, in connection with their own correspondingservice requests, more than or equal to a predetermined number oftimes). For example, if location selector 300 determines that users ofrequester device(s) 330 are frequently changing first service location350 (e.g., a busy street in front of a mall) in their correspondingservice requests to second service location 360 (e.g., a quieter sidestreet of the mall), service location criterion logic 302 can recommend,to future users (e.g., users of requester device 330 or service providerdevice(s) 330) who included first service location 350 in their servicerequests, that they should change the service location to second servicelocation 360.

In some implementations, location selector 300 can automatically “flag”a service location that users of requester devices 330 are frequentlychanging and/or that are associated with many repositioning events. Insuch implementations, there may be a problem with said service location(e.g., the service location may be an illegal location to stop or pickup a service requester, or the service location may be near an area ofhigh traffic congestion). As such, location selector 300 can notify anadministrator of the network computer system to review and determine thepotentially problematic service location. In some examples, supposelocation selector 300 determines that the number of repositioning eventsassociated with a service location meets a repositioning even threshold.Additionally, in such examples, location selector 300 can associate aflag identifier to said service location and can notify an administratorof the network computer system to determine whether said servicelocation is in fact problematic. If said service location is in factproblematic, the administrator can associate another identifier to saidservice location that can trigger location selector 300 to prevent aservice requester or service provider from utilizing said servicelocation in the future (e.g., either as an alternative service locationor as an initial service location for a service request).

In some implementations, when the user of requester device 330 andservice provider are attempting to change the service location, theservice application 335 and application 345 can provide to the user ofrequester device 330 and service provider, respectively, a drop-downmenu including a sample reason why the user of requester device 330and/or service provider are changing the service location (e.g., heavytraffic conditions, an accident near the original service location, aroad block, an area where it is not legal to stop or pick up passengers,etc.). The selected reason can be associated with the repositioningevent data that is stored in database 310. Additionally, in someexamples, service location criterion logic 302 can use the reasonassociated with each repositioning event in determining whether torecommend to users of other requester device(s) 330 a second oralternative location (e.g., when the number of repositioning eventsassociated with the original location and associated with a particularreason meets a predetermined threshold). The service location criterionlogic 302 can also display the reason when recommending to users ofother requester device(s) 330 an alternative location (e.g., when thenumber of repositioning events associated with the original location andassociated with a particular reason meets a predetermined threshold)

Location selector 300 can include environment module 304. Environmentalmodule 304 can include environmental engine 308 and database 310.Database 310 can receive and store sensor data. In some implementations,sensor data can include real-time traffic data from a third-party sourcereceived from mapping module 316. In such implementations servicelocation criterion logic 302 can utilize the real-time traffic data frommapping module 316 to determine whether second service location 360satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion of a service request.In other implementations, sensor data can include environmental datafrom one or more sensors of one or more service provider vehicles in oneor more geographical areas. In some examples, the one or more vehiclesare one or more autonomous vehicles. Each sensor can detect data of theenvironment surrounding a corresponding service provider vehicle (e.g.,speed of the vehicle, the average speed of the service provider vehicle,number of objects (e.g. cars, motorcycles, cyclists) around the serviceprovider vehicle at a given timeframe, how far an object is from theservice provider vehicle, the speed of each object around the serviceprovider vehicle, the location of each service provider vehicle, etc.).

In other examples, a service provider can transmit environmental datathrough service application 345 to service location criterion logic 302(e.g. road closures, heavy traffic, etc.)

Environmental engine 308 can process the environmental data to determinereal-time traffic data. Service location criterion logic 302 can utilizethe real-time traffic data from environmental engine 308 and locationdata of service provider device 340 (e.g., location data received from alocation based resources (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)resources) of service provider device 340), to determine whether aservice location (e.g., second service location 360) satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion of a service request. Forexample, the environmental data can indicate that the vehicle istraveling at 5 mph, with an object (e.g., car/motorcycle/cyclist) 5 feetin front of the vehicle that is also traveling at 5 mph. As such,service location criterion logic 302 can determine that the currenttraffic is heavy for that particular vehicle because both the vehicleand the object are traveling at relatively low rates (5 mph).Additionally, service location criterion logic 302 can also utilize thecurrent location of service provider device 340 to also determine thatthe current traffic is heavy for that particular service providervehicle in that particular area. Moreover, based on that environmentaldata and the location data of the service provider assigned to a servicerequest, service location criterion logic 302 can restrict a servicelocation change (e.g., first service location 350) to an alternativeservice location (e.g., second service location 360) that is in thatparticular area. Service location criterion logic 302 can determine,based on the current location of the service provider and the real-timetraffic conditions, that the alternative service location (e.g., secondservice location 360) does not satisfy a predetermined permissibilitycriterion (e.g., a rule that a predicted service completion time of thealternative service location must be less than the predicted servicecompletion time of the original service location associated with theservice request). As such, service location criterion logic 302 cantransmit an instruction to service provider device 340 of the serviceprovider of the service request to restrict associating the servicerequest with the alternative service location (e.g., second servicelocation 360) in place of the service location (e.g., first servicelocation 350) of the service request.

In some implementations, service location criterion logic 302 canutilize historical traffic data (e.g. speed limits, historical trafficconditions for one or more regions during one or more timeframes, etc.)when determining whether the alternative service location (e.g., secondservice location 360) satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterionof a service request. In some implementations, service locationcriterion logic 302 can utilize real-time weather data for one or moreregions stored in database 318, when determining whether the alternativeservice location (e.g., second service location 360) satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion of a service request. In someimplementations, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , service location criterionlogic 302 can receive historical traffic and road laws data from mappingmodule 316. Mapping module 316 can include mapping engine 320 anddatabase 318. Functionalities of mapping engine 320 are similar to thefunctionalities of mapping engine 106 of FIG. 1 . Database 318, similarto database 104 of FIG. 1 , can store historical traffic data receivedfrom a third-party source and road laws data received from a third-partysource.

Network 114 and 370 can include one or more networks. Network 114 and370 can be a conventional type, wired or wireless, and can have numerousconfigurations include a star a star configuration, token ringconfiguration, or other configurations. Furthermore, network 114 and 370can include an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN) (e.g., the Internet), and/or other interconnected data pathsacross which multiple devices can communicate. In some embodiments,network 114 and 370 can be a peer-to-peer network. Network 114 and 370can also be coupled with or include portions of a telecommunicationsnetwork for sending data using a variety of different communicationprotocols. In some embodiments, network 114 and 370 can includeBluetooth (or Bluetooth low energy) communication networks or a cellularcommunications network for sending and receiving data including viashort messaging service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS),hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), direct data connection, WAP, email,etc. Although the examples of FIGS. 1 and 3 , each illustrate onenetwork 114 and 370, network 114 and 370 can be more than one network.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , network computer system 100,requester device(s) 120, and service provider device(s) 130 cancommunicate over network 114 using wired or wireless connections, orcombinations thereof. In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 ,requester device(s) 330, service provider device(s) 340 and locationselector 300 communicate over network 260 using wired or wirelessconnections, or combinations thereof.

Methodology

FIG. 4A illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on detecting a user input toassociate the service request with the alternative service location.FIG. 4B illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on alternative servicelocations identified by a network computer system. FIG. 5 illustrates anexample method for associating a service request with an alternativeservice location, based on sensor data and the detection of an event.FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for determining whether thealternative service location satisfies a predetermined permissibilitycriterion. FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for transmitting anotification that includes an option to associate a service request withan alternative service location. FIG. 8 illustrates an example methodfor selecting a nearest point of interest from a motionless serviceprovider vehicle. In the below discussions of FIGS. 4A through 8 ,reference may be made to reference characters representing like featuresas shown and described with respect to FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 3 for purposeof illustrating a suitable component for performing a step or sub-stepbeing described.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on detecting a user input toassociate the service request with the alternative service location. Insome implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, network computer system100 can receive a service request associated with a first or originalservice location (400). In some examples, a user of requester device 120can input and associate the service request with a service locationthrough service application 125. In such examples, the service locationcan be associated with a service initialization location (e.g., a pickuplocation for a transport service request). Examples of a servicelocation user input include a user supplied address, a selected POI froma set of identified POIs near the current location of requester device120, or “pin-drop” location on a map interface executed by anapplication on requester device 120. Additionally, a user of requesterdevice 120 can change or reposition the service initialization locationthrough service application 125.

Additionally, network computer system 100 can detect a user input toassociate the service request with an alternative service location(402). In some examples, the requester device 120 can transmit a userinput to network computer system 100 to associate the service requestwith an alternative service location. In other examples, serviceprovider device 130 can transmit a user input to network computer system100 to associate the service request with an alternative servicelocation. The user input can include an instruction or request toassociate the service request with the alternative service location inplace of the original service location. In some examples, thealternative service location can be different from the original servicelocation.

Upon detecting a user input to associate the service request with analternative service location, network computer system 100 can determinethat the alternative service location satisfies a predeterminedpermissibility criterion (404). In some examples, service locationcriterion logic 140 or 302 can determine whether the alternative servicelocation satisfies a service completion criterion of the servicerequest. For example, service location criterion logic 140 or 302 candetermine whether a predicted service initialization time of thealternative service location is less than or equal to a predictedservice initialization time of the original service location. Otherexamples of a predetermined permissibility criterion can include andpertain to service initialization time (e.g., the time to the start ofthe service request is shorter for the alternative service location thanit is for the original service location) and overall service completiontime (e.g., the time to complete the service request is shorter for thealternative service location than it is for the original servicelocation). In some implementations, a predetermined permissibilitycriterion may include a rule requiring confirming that the user ofrequester device(s) 120/330 consented to the change in service locationof the service request (e.g., location selector 102/300 detecting aconsent to change notification from requester device(s) 120/330,respectively). In other implementations, the predeterminedpermissibility criterion can be in part also based on a proximitycriterion (e.g. the alternative service location is within a proximitythreshold of the original service location).

As such, network computer system 100 can transmit an instruction tocause a device to associate the service request with the alternativeservice location in place of the original service location (406). Insome examples, service location criterion logic 140 (or service locationcriterion logic 302) can transmit the instruction to service providerdevice(s) 130 (or service provider device(s) 340). As such, serviceprovider device 130/340 can associate the service request with thealternative service location in place of the original service location.In other examples, service location criterion logic 140 (or servicelocation criterion logic 302) can transmit an instruction to requesterdevice(s) 120 (or requester device(s) 330). As such, requester device120/330 can associate the service request with the alternative servicelocation in place of the original service location. In some examples, asdiscussed, location selector 102/300 can restrict or limit a user inputof requester device(s) 120/330 and/or service provider device(s)130/340.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on alternative servicelocations identified by a network computer system. Similar to theexample method of FIG. 4A, network computer system 100 can receive aservice request associated with a first or original service location(408). Additionally, network computer system 100 can detect a first userinput to initiate associating the service request with another servicelocation (410). For example, network computer system 100 can detect thata user has selected a user interface element presented by serviceapplication 125/135 (e.g., “EDIT” button 210 in FIG. 2A) requesting achange in the service location of the service request to an alternativeservice location, without yet specifying the alternative servicelocation. In some examples, service provider device 130 can transmitinformation described such a user input to initiate associating theservice request with another service location to network computer system100. In such an instance, the request may not include an alternativeservice request.

In response to network computer system 100 detecting the first userinput, network computer system 100 can identify a location thatsatisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion of the servicerequest (412). In some examples, service location criterion logic 140 or302 can identify a location that satisfies a predeterminedpermissibility criterion of the service request. In other examples, thelocation can be from a set of identified locations that each satisfy apredetermined permissibility criterion of the service request.Furthermore, in some examples, the predetermined permissibilitycriterion can be in part also based on a proximity criterion (e.g., thelocation is within a proximity threshold of the original servicelocation or the location is from a set of identified locations that areeach within a proximity threshold of the original service location). Insome implementations, network computer system 100 can provide torequester device 120 and/or service provider device 130 the identifiedlocation that satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion thatincludes a proximity criterion (e.g., by transmitting an instructionand/or application data to service application 125/135 to present theidentified location that satisfies a predetermined permissibilitycriterion that also includes a proximity criterion).

Thereafter, network computer system 100 can detect a second user inputto associate the service request with an alternative service locationthat is within or that corresponds to the identified location of step412 (414). In some examples, the second user input is transmitted fromservice application 125 running on requester device 120. In otherexamples, the second user input is transmitted from service application135 running on service provider device 130. The second user input caninclude an instruction or request to associate the service request withthe alternative service location in place of the original servicelocation. In some examples, the alternative service location can bedifferent from the original service location.

In response to network computer system 100 detecting the second userinput, network computer system 100 can transmit an instruction to causea device to associate the service request with the alternative servicelocation in place of the original service location (416). Similar tostep 406 of FIG. 4A, service location criterion logic 140 can transmitthe instruction to cause service provider device(s) 130 and/or requesterdevice(s) 120 to associate the service request with the alternativeservice location in place of the original service location. Furthermore,similar to step 406 of FIG. 4A, the origination of the user input candetermine which device (e.g., provider device(s) 130/340 or requesterdevice(s) 120/330) can receive the instruction. In some examples, asdiscussed, location selector 102 can restrict or limit a user input ofrequester device(s) 120 and/or service provider device(s) 130.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method for associating a service requestwith an alternative service location, based on sensor data and thedetection of an event. Similar to the example methods of FIGS. 4A and4B, network computer system 100 can receive a service request associatedwith a first or original service location (500). In someimplementations, location selector 102/300 (e.g., service locationcriterion logic 140/302) can identify an alternative service location(or a set of alternative service locations). In some examples, thealternative service location can be a known service location that otherservice requesters have included in their own corresponding servicerequests as original service locations. In other examples, thealternative service location can be a service location that serviceproviders or service requesters have used to replace the originalservice location in their own corresponding service requests. In yetother examples, the alternative service location can be within aproximity threshold of the service location already associated with theservice request.

Network computer system 100 can detect an event to associate the servicerequest with an alternative service location, based on sensor data(502). In some implementations, network computer system 100 can detectthe event to associate the service request with an alternative servicelocation, in response to determining a service provider assigned to theservice request is in the process of fulfilling the service request(e.g., the service provider has accepted the service request) and/or istraveling towards the original service location. In suchimplementations, network computer system 100 can determine the serviceprovider is traveling towards the original service location based on thelocation data of a service provider device (e.g., service providerdevice 130/340) being transmitted to network computer system 100. Thatway, in some examples, the alternative service location can be differentfrom the original service location. Network computer system 100 can thusenable the service location of the service request to be changed, evenwhen the service provider is already en route to the initial servicelocation. Thus, the service requester may be provided some flexibilityto change the service location when, for example, the initial servicelocation was made in error or when circumstances make the initialservice location inconvenient. As described with other examples, networkcomputer system 100 can implement controls to restrict the ability ofthe service requester to change the initial service location to avoid,for example, added hardship or cost to the service provider. As such,the added flexibility provided to the service requester does not causeundue hardship to the service provider.

In any of the above implementations or examples, network computerservice 100 can determine that the alternative service locationsatisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion (504). In someexamples, similar to the methods illustrated in FIG. 4A, servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 can determine that the alternativeservice location satisfies the predetermined permissibility criterion ofthe service request. Examples of the determination of whether apredetermined permissibility criterion satisfies a service request werepreviously discussed and are further discussed below.

As such, network computer service 100 can transmit an instruction tocause at least one of the user device (e.g., requester device 120) orservice provider device (e.g., service provider device 130) to associatethe service request with the alternative service location in place ofthe original service location (506). For example, similar to step 406 ofFIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, service location criterion logic 140/302 cantransmit the instruction to service provider device(s) 130 (or serviceprovider device(s) 340) and/or requester device(s) 120 (or requesterdevice(s) 330) to associate the service request with the alternativeservice location in place of the original service location. In someimplementations, network computer service 100 can transmit theinstruction to the devices (e.g., requester device 120 and/or serviceprovider device 130), if the user of requester device 120 consents tothe change. In such implementations, once network computer service 100determines that the alternative service location satisfies apredetermined permissibility criterion, network computer service 100 cantransmit a request to requester device 120 to change the servicelocation of the service request to the alternative service location.Additionally, network computer system 100 can associate the servicelocation of the service request with the alternative service location inplace of the original service location, if the user of requester device120 sends from requester device 120 to network computer system 100 anotification consenting to the change. However, network computer system100 cannot change the service location of the service request if theuser of requester device 120 does not send a notification consenting tothe change, or sends a notification denying the change, to networkcomputer system 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for determining whether thealternative service location satisfies a predetermined permissibilitycriterion. In many implementations, network computer system 100 canrestrict or authorize changing a first or original service location of aservice request to a second or alternative service location. In suchimplementations, network computer system 100 can transmit an instructionto change a service location to a new or alternative service location,based on whether the alternative service location satisfied apredetermined permissibility criterion of the service request. In someexamples, network computer system 100 can include location selector102/300 that utilizes service location criterion logic 140/302 todetermine whether the alternative service location satisfies thepredetermined permissibility criterion. Additionally, in other examples,changing a service location of a service request can be based on servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 determining that the alternativeservice location satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion andthe user of requester device(s) 120/330 sent a notification of consentto change the service location to location selector 300.

In some examples, the predetermined permissibility criterion can berelated to a time of service completion. In such examples, servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 can determine the predicted time ofservice completion associated with an original service location (S.L.)associated with the service request (600). For example, service locationcriterion logic 140/302 can determine the predicted time of servicecompletion by calculating the time it takes for the service provider totravel from its current location (e.g., determined from location datareceived from service provider 130) to the original service location andthen to a final service location associated with the service request. Insome examples, network service computer system 100 can determine thecurrent location of the service provider by location data received fromlocation based resources (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)resources) of service provider device 130. In some implementations,network computer service 100 can utilize sensor data from locationselector 102 and location data from service provider device 130 todetermine the predicted time of service completion associated with theoriginal service location. In some examples, the original servicelocation can be the service initialization location (e.g., a pickuplocation of a transport service request).

Additionally, service location criterion logic 140/302 can alsodetermine the predicted time of service completion associated with analternative service location (S.L.) (602). Utilizing the same principlesas previously discussed, service location criterion logic 140/302 candetermine the predicted time of service completion by calculating thetime it takes for the service provider to travel from its currentlocation (e.g. determined from location data received from serviceprovider 130) to the alternative service location and then to the finalservice location. In some implementations, network computer service 100can utilize sensor data from location selector 102 and location datafrom service provider device 130 to determine the predicted time ofservice completion of the alternative service location. In someexamples, the alternative service location can be a service locationthat a user of requester device 120 or a service provider would like tochange the service location of the service request to. In otherexamples, the alternative service location can be a service locationthat service location criterion logic 140/302 identifies and recommends,to the user of requester device 120 or service provider, as the newservice location of the service request.

Moreover, service location criterion logic 140/302 can compare thedetermined predicted times of service completion. For example, servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 can determine whether the predictedtime of service completion of the alternative service location is lessthan or equal to the predicted time of service completion of theoriginal service location (604). If service location criterion logic140/302 determines the predicted time of service completion of thealternative service location is less than or equal to the predicted timeof service completion of the original service location, then servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 can transmit an instruction to one ormore devices (e.g., requester device 120 or service provider device 130)to associate the service request with the alternative service locationin place of the original service location (620). If service locationcriterion logic 140/302 determines the predicted time of servicecompletion of the alternative service location is more than thepredicted time of service completion of the original service location,then service location criterion logic 140/302 can restrict thetransmission of the instructions to one or more devices (e.g., requesterdevice 120 or service provider device 130) to associate the servicerequest with the alternative service location in place of the originalservice location of the service request (606).

In other examples, the predetermined permissibility criterion can berelated to a service initialization time (e.g., a pickup time of atransport service request). In such examples, service location criterionlogic 140/302 can determine the predicted service initialization timeassociated with an original service location (S.L.) associated with theservice request (608). For example, service location criterion logic140/302 can determine the predicted service initialization time bycalculating the time it can take for the service provider to travel fromits current location (e.g., determined from location data received fromlocation based resources (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)resources) of service provider device 130) to the original servicelocation. In some implementations, network computer service 100 canutilize sensor data from location selector 102 and location data fromservice provider device 130 to determine the predicted serviceinitialization time of the original service location. In some examples,the original service location can be the service initialization location(e.g., a pickup location of a transport service request).

Additionally, service location criterion logic 140/302 can alsodetermine the predicted service initialization time associated with analternative service location (S.L.) (610). Utilizing the same principlesas previously discussed, service location criterion logic 140/302 candetermine the predicted service initialization time by calculating thetime it takes for the service provider to travel from its currentlocation (e.g. determined from location data received from serviceprovider 130) to the alternative service location. In someimplementations, network computer service 100 can utilize sensor datafrom location selector 102 and location data from service providerdevice 130 to determine the predicted service initialization time withthe alternative service location. In some examples, the alternativeservice location can be a service location that a user of requesterdevice 120 or a service provider would like to change the servicelocation of the service request to. In other examples, the alternativeservice location can be a service location that service locationcriterion logic 140/302 identifies and recommends, to the user ofrequester device 120 or service provider, as the new service location ofthe service request.

Moreover, service location criterion logic 140/302 can compare thedetermined predicted service initialization times. For example, servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 can determine whether the predictedservice initialization time of the alternative service location is lessthan or equal to the predicted service initialization time of theoriginal service location (612). If service location criterion logic140/302 determines the predicted service initialization time of thealternative service location is less than or equal to the predictedservice initialization time of the original service location, thenservice location criterion logic 140/302 can transmit instructions toone or more devices (e.g., requester device 120 or service providerdevice 130) (620) to associate the service request with the alternativeservice location in place of the original service location. If servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 determines the predicted serviceinitialization time of the alternative service location is more than thepredicted service initialization time of the original service location,then service location criterion logic 140/302 can restrict thetransmission of the instructions to one or more devices (e.g., requesterdevice 120 or service provider device 130) to associate the servicerequest with the alternative service location in place of the originalservice location of the service request (606).

In yet other examples, the predetermined permissibility criterion can berelated to a service cost (e.g., the fare associated with completing atransport service request). In such examples, service location criterionlogic 140/302 can determine a predicted service cost associated with anoriginal service location (S.L.) of the service request (614) (e.g., thefare associated with completing a transport service request associatedwith a pickup location corresponding to the original service locationand associated with a drop off location). For example, service locationcriterion logic 140/302 can determine the predicted service cost of anoriginal service location based on sensor data from location selector102 and location data of the service provider device assigned to theservice request (e.g., determined from location data received fromlocation based resources, such as global positioning system (GPS)resources, of service provider device 130). In some examples, theoriginal service location can be the service initialization location(e.g., a pickup location of a transport service request).

Additionally, service location criterion logic 140/302 can alsodetermine the predicted service cost associated with an alternativeservice location (S.L.) (e.g., the fare associated with completing atransport service request associated with a pickup locationcorresponding to the alternative service location and associated with adrop off location) (616). Utilizing the same principles as previouslydiscussed, service location criterion logic 140/302 can determine thepredicted service cost of an alternative service location based onsensor data from location selector 102 and location data of the serviceprovider device assigned to the service request (e.g., determined fromlocation data received from location based resources, such as globalpositioning system (GPS) resources, of service provider device 130). Insome examples, the alternative service location can be a servicelocation that a user of requester device 120 or a service provider wouldlike to change the service location of the service request to. In otherexamples, the alternative service location can be a service locationthat service location criterion logic 140/302 identifies and recommends,to the user of requester device 120 or service provider, as the newservice location of the service request.

Moreover, service location criterion logic 140/302 can compare thedetermined predicted service costs. For example, service locationcriterion logic 140/302 can determine whether the predicted service costof the alternative service location is less than or equal to thepredicted service cost of the original service location (618). Ifservice location criterion logic 140/302 determines the predictedservice cost of the alternative service location is less than or equalto the predicted service costs of the original service location, thenservice location criterion logic 140/302 can transmit instructions toone or more devices (e.g., requester device 120 or service providerdevice 130) (620) to associate the service request with the alternativeservice location in place of the original service location. If servicelocation criterion logic 140/302 determines the predicted service costof the alternative service location is more than the predicted servicecost of the original service location, then service location criterionlogic 140/302 can restrict the transmission of the instructions to oneor more devices (e.g., requester device 120 or service provider device130) to associate the service request with the alternative servicelocation in place of the original service location of the servicerequest (606).

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for transmitting a notificationthat includes an option to associate a service request with analternative service location in place of an original service location ofthe service request. Network computer system 100 can intelligentlyidentify a set of alternative service locations (700). The set ofalternative locations can include one or more identified alternativeservice locations. Additionally, based on previously describedprinciples, each identified alternative location can satisfy apredetermined permissibility criterion. In some implementations, aspreviously described, the predetermined permissibility criterion caninclude a proximity criterion.

In some implementations, network computer system 100 can transmit aninstruction to at least one of requester device 120 or service providerdevice 130 to display each alternative service location (702). In someexamples, the instruction can cause service application 125 running onrequester device 120 to launch a map interface. In other examples, theinstruction can cause service application 135 running on provider device130 to launch a map interface. Additionally, the instruction can alsocause service application 125 and/or service application 135 to generategraphical representations of each identified alternative location ontheir respective map interfaces.

In some examples, network computer system 100 can provide an additionalinstruction or application data to service application 125/135, to causeservice application 125/135 to highlight the graphical representationsof each identified alternative service location. In other examples,network computer system 100 can transmit an additional instruction to atleast one of requester device 120 or service provider device 130 topreclude a user (e.g., a user of requester device 120 or serviceprovider) from selecting a service location not included in the set ofalternative service locations (704).

In some implementations, network computer system 100 can transmit arecommendation to change the service location to one of the identifiedalternative service locations to requester device 120 and/or serviceprovider device 130. For example, network computer system 100 cantransmit a notification that includes an option to associate the servicerequest with an alternative or second service location of the set ofidentified service locations (706). Additionally, in some examples theoption can include a reason why the alternative service location isbetter than a first or original service location of the service request.In some examples, the reasoning can be based on a predeterminedpermissibility criterion. In other examples, the recommendation ornotification can include multiple options and each option is associatedwith an alternative service location of the set of alternative servicelocations. Additionally, in such examples, each option can include areason why that particular second or alternative service location isbetter than an original service location of the service request. In someexamples, the reasoning can be based on a predetermined permissibilitycriterion (e.g., a reason to change an original service location of aservice request to an alternative service location may be that thechange can reduce an overall service completion time).

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method for selecting a nearest point ofinterest to a motionless service provider vehicle. In some examples, theservice provider is near a service location of a service request, butdue to environmental conditions (e.g., traffic) the service providerwould like to change the service location. In some implementations,network computer system 100 can determine whether the vehicle of theservice provider is within a proximity threshold of a first or originalservice location associated with a service request (800). Networkcomputer system 100 can utilize location data of the service providerdevice 130 to determine whether the vehicle of the service provider iswithin a proximity threshold of an original service location. In someexamples, the original service location can be the serviceinitialization location (e.g., the pickup location of a transportrequest).

If network computer system 100 determines the vehicle of the providerdevice is within the proximity threshold of the original servicelocation, then network computer system 100 can determine whether thevehicle of the service provider is motionless (802). In some examples,network computer system 100 can determine the vehicle has remainedmotionless if the vehicle has remained motionless for a predeterminedtime threshold (e.g., 5 minutes). In other examples network computersystem 100 can determine the vehicle has remained motionless if thevehicle has not travelled a distance exceeding a predetermined distancethreshold (e.g., 2 inches), such as within a predetermined timeinterval. Additionally, in such examples, network computer system 100can determine whether the vehicle of a service provider is motionlessbased on the location data received from service provider device 130 ofthe service provider (e.g., whether the vehicle has remained motionlessfor a predetermined time threshold, whether the vehicle has nottravelled a distance exceeding a predetermined distance threshold duringa predetermined time interval, etc.).

If network computer system 100 determines that the vehicle of theservice provider is motionless, then network computer system 100 candetermine a nearest POI to the vehicle of the service provider to changethe service location of the service request to (804). Examples of a POIinclude a building, a corner of a street intersection, and a section ofa street. In some examples, as discussed earlier, network computersystem 100 can recommend one or more nearby POIs for the serviceprovider to select. For example, network computer system 100 canidentify one or more alternative service locations that are POIs. Insome examples, the network computer system 100 may determine that eachidentified POI satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion. Insome implementations, network system 100 can transmit an instruction toservice application 135 to enable a service provider to change theservice location of the service request when provider device 130 iswithin a proximity threshold of the service location of the servicerequest.

Furthermore, in some implementations network computer system 100 cantransmit a notification to service provider device 130 that includes oneor more options corresponding to the one or more identified POIs for aservice provider to select. Each option can associate the servicerequest with an identified POI in place of an original service locationassociated with the service request. In some examples, each option canbe associated with a reason why the corresponding POI is better than theoriginal service location (e.g., service provider is in traffic and theidentified POI is an easier location for service provider and user ofrequester device 120 to meet at). In such implementations, the reasoncan be given by the service provider either manually or by selectingfrom a predetermined set of reasons displayed on service application 135(e.g., via a drop-down menu). In some implementations, network computersystem 100 can automatically change the service location of the servicerequest to the nearest identified POI, once network computer system 100determines that the vehicle of the service provider is motionless. Ineither implementation, in some examples, network computer system 100 canonly associate the service request with an identified POI if the user ofrequester device 120 consents (e.g., requester device 120 receives arequest to change the service location of the service request and theuser of the requester device 120 accepts the change).

In some implementations, using the previously discussed principles, oncenetwork computer system identifies a POI to associate the servicerequest with, network computer system 100 can transmit an instruction toservice application 125 to generate a graphical representation of thePOI on a map interface of service application 125. In someimplementations, network computer system 100 can provide an additionalinstructions or application data to service application 125, to causeservice application 125 to highlight the graphical representations ofthe POI. In some examples of such implementations, such instructions canalso be transmitted to service application 135. In otherimplementations, reasons why the corresponding POI is better than theoriginal service location (e.g., heavy traffic is preventing the serviceprovider from getting to the original service location) can also betransmitted to requester device 120.

Hardware Diagram

FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon whichexamples described herein may be implemented. In one embodiment, acomputing device 900 may correspond to a mobile computing device, suchas a cellular device that is capable of telephony, messaging, and dataservices. The computing device 900 can correspond to a device operatedby a requester or, in some examples, a device operated by the serviceprovider that provides location-based services. Examples of such devicesinclude smartphones, handsets, tablet devices, or in-vehicle computingdevices that communicate with cellular carriers. The computing device900 includes a processor 910, memory resources 920, a display device 930(e.g., such as a touch-sensitive display device), one or morecommunication systems 940 (including wireless communication systems), asensor set 950 (e.g., accelerometer and/or gyroscope, microphone,barometer, etc.), and one or more location detection mechanisms (e.g.,GPS component) 960. In one example, at least one of the communicationsystems 940 sends and receives cellular data over network(s) 970 (e.g.,data channels and voice channels). The communications sub-systems 940can include a cellular transceiver and one or more short-range wirelesstransceivers. The processor 910 can exchange data with a servicearrangement system (not illustrated in FIG. 9 ) via the communicationssub-systems 940 and over network(s) 970.

The processor 910 can provide a variety of content to the display 930 byexecuting instructions stored in the memory resources 920. The memoryresources 920 can store instructions for the service application 925.For example, the processor 910 can execute the service application 925to read sensor data from one or more sensors 950 of the computingdevice, and to transmit the sensor data, along with location data of GPScomponent 960 as local device data to a network computer system (e.g.network computer system 100).

Examples described herein to extend to individual elements and conceptsdescribed herein, independently of other concepts, ideas or system, aswell as for examples to include combinations of elements recitedanywhere in this application. Although examples are described in detailherein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to beunderstood that the concepts are not limited to those precise examples.Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the concepts be defined bythe following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it iscontemplated that a particular feature described either individually oras part of an example can be combined with other individually describedfeatures, or parts of other examples, even if the other features andexamples make no mentioned of the particular feature. Thus, the absenceof describing combinations should not preclude having rights to suchcombinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network computing system comprising: a memorythat stores a set of instructions; one or more processors that executethe set of instructions to: communicate with a mobile device of aservice provider to exchange data, including to receive status data forthe service provider; assign the service provider to a service requestbased at least in part on the received status data of the serviceprovider, the service request being associated with a first servicelocation from which a transport service is to be provided; during a timeinterval preceding the service provider arriving at the first servicelocation, determine, based on the received status data for the serviceprovider, an action of the service provider to trigger a change to thefirst service location; identify a second service location thatsatisfies one or more permissibility criteria of the service requestbased at least in part on the received status data for the serviceprovider; and communicate data to the mobile device of the serviceprovider to cause the mobile device of the service provider to associatethe service request with the second service location in place of thefirst service location.
 2. The network computing system of claim 1,wherein the action is inferred based on a location data of the serviceprovider.
 3. The network computing system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore processors identify the second service location by (i) identifyingmultiple alternative service locations for the first service locationbased on the received status data for the service provider, the multiplealternative service locations including the second service location, and(ii) selecting the second service location based at least in part on thesecond service location satisfying one or more permissibility criteriaof the service request.
 4. The network computing system of claim 3,wherein the one or more processors select the second service locationbased at least in part on an input of the service provider.
 5. Thenetwork computing system of claim 3, wherein the one or morepermissibility criteria is based at least in part on an estimatedservice completion time to fulfill the service request using the secondservice location.
 6. The network computing system of claim 3, whereinthe one or more permissibility criteria is based at least in part on anestimated service initialization time for using the second servicelocation as compared to the first service location.
 7. The networkcomputing system of claim 3, wherein the one or more permissibilitycriteria is based at least in part on an estimated service duration forusing the second service location as compared to the first servicelocation.
 8. The network computing system of claim 3, wherein the one ormore permissibility criteria is based at least in part on a set ofservice parameters for fulfilling the service request using the secondservice location.
 9. The network computing system of claim 8, whereinthe one or more permissibility criteria is based at least in part on aset of service parameters for fulfilling the service request using thesecond service location as compared to the first service location. 10.The network computing system of claim 9, wherein the set of serviceparameters include at least one of a service initialization time, aservice completion time, or a service duration.
 11. The networkcomputing system of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors selectthe second service location based at least in part on a comparison of aset of service parameters for fulfilling the service request using eachof the multiple alternative service locations.
 12. The network computingsystem of claim 11, wherein the set of service parameters include atleast one of a service initialization time, a service completion time,or a service duration.
 13. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumthat stores instructions, which when executed by one or more processorsof a network computer system, cause the network computer system toperform operations that include: communicating with a mobile device of aservice provider to exchange data, including to receive status data forthe service provider; assigning the service provider to a servicerequest based at least in part on the received status data of theservice provider, the service request being associated with a firstservice location from which a transport service is to be provided;during a time interval preceding the service provider arriving at thefirst service location, determining, based on the received status datafor the service provider, an action of the service provider to trigger achange to the first service location; identifying a second servicelocation that satisfies one or more permissibility criteria of theservice request based at least in part on the received status data forthe service provider; and communicating data to the mobile device of theservice provider to cause the mobile device of the service provider toassociate the service request with the second service location in placeof the first service location.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 13, wherein the action is inferred based on a locationdata of the service provider.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors identify thesecond service location by (i) identifying multiple alternative servicelocations for the first service location based on the received statusdata for the service provider, the multiple alternative servicelocations including the second service location, and (ii) selecting thesecond service location based at least in part on the second servicelocation satisfying one or more permissibility criteria of the servicerequest.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the one or more permissibility criteria is based at least inpart on an estimated service completion time to fulfill the servicerequest using the second service location.
 17. A method for operating anetwork computer system, the method being implemented by one or moreprocessors of the network computer system and comprising: communicatingwith a mobile device of a service provider to exchange data, includingto receive status data for the service provider; assigning the serviceprovider to a service request based at least in part on status data ofthe service provider, the service request being associated with a firstservice location from which a transport service is to be provided;during a time interval preceding the service provider arriving at thefirst service location, determining, based on the receive status datafor the service provider, an action of the service provider to trigger achange to the first service location; identifying a second servicelocation that satisfies one or more permissibility criteria of theservice request based at least in part on the received status data forthe service provider; and communicating data to the mobile device of theservice provider to cause the mobile device of the service provider toassociate the service request with the second service location in placeof the first service location.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein theaction is inferred based on a location data of the service provider. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more processors identify thesecond service location by (i) identifying multiple alternative servicelocations for the first service location based on the received statusdata for the service provider, the multiple alternative servicelocations including the second service location, and (ii) selecting thesecond service location based at least in part on the second servicelocation satisfying one or more permissibility criteria of the servicerequest.